In this article it goes over the text-to-speech function on many devices, how to use it, and why it is useful for children with disabilities. It is a good tool to use because many devices have this feature built into them already and therefore there is no extra equipment needed. Some of the devices you can use with this option are apple products such as iphone, ipad, ipod, android phones, macs, and any other computer that has microsoft word installed into it. The program works by having the student type what they want to say and the machine will read it aloud for other people to hear. It also works the other way around as well, someone else can type what they want it to say in and the student is able to read it as well as hear it. This is especially helpful for students with vision, reading, or communication problems. If they aren't able to see the screen well then they can hear what they need to know. Also, if they have trouble communicating, they are able to just type what they want to say and it is read aloud. Students who have trouble reading will also find this tool very useful because they are able to hear the words read to them and comprehend them, rather than stumbling over words that they don't understand or know the meaning to. Overall, this tool is very effective and helpful and easily accessible to many people.
http://www.readingonline.org/articles/balajthy2/